Adjuvant endocrine therapy non-initiation and non-persistence in young women with early-stage breast cancer

Characterizing oral adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) non-initiation and non-persistence in young women with breast cancer can inform strategies to improve adherence in this population. A study among women aged 40 years or younger with HR-positive early-stage breast cancer found that by 18 months, 9% had not initiated ET, and 20% were non-persistent. Black women had higher odds and women with a college degree had lower odds of non-initiation. Younger age, being married/partnered, and reporting more weight problems were associated with higher odds of non-persistence; while receipt of chemotherapy and greater hot flash and vaginal symptom burden were associated with lower odds of non-persistence.